‘Frugal’ Approach to Home Inspections

QUESTION: I haven’t bought a house in many years, and I’ve learned that it’s a lot more complicated than it was then. I reviewed an offer form my realtor provided and see I must make decisions about hiring or not hiring home inspectors and geologists, among other things. Being a frugal home buyer, and knowing these inspections must be paid regardless of my final purchase decision, I’d like to know how I should schedule the two. Which should come first?

ANSWER: The “frugal” approach is: If you think there is a greater chance of serious problems with the building, schedule the home inspector first. If you think there is a greater risk of adverse soil conditions, call the geologist first.

That way, if something gruesome comes up at the first inspection, you’ll have saved the cost of the second inspection. If the risks are a tossup, schedule the cheapest first for the same reason. Another approach is to try to schedule both together, so that they can compare findings on the site and each benefit from symptoms that might affect the other.

If Dual Windows Fog, the Seal Is Defective

Q: We have dual-glazed windows in our new house. A few of them fog up mornings, and they are now stained inside where they can’t be cleaned. The affected windows aren’t just in bathrooms or places where there is a lot of moisture. What’s the story?

A: Dual-glazed windows are factory sealed at the edges to exclude entry of air (and moisture) into the cavity between the panes. There is a fault on the seal of those windows that fog. If your house is recent, it may be covered under warranty. In any case, the only solution is to have the faulty panes replaced. These are a factory order, thus more expensive than ordinary glass.